Feed a Cold? Starve a Fever?

How do you stay on program if you are sick? I am asthmatic and I have had a flare up due to the recent humidity in the past few weeks. I was concerned about being able to stay on program. Do I feed my cold? What should I feed my cold? What I did in the past to feed a cold wasn't very healthy, and I won't mention those food choices - just use your imagination. 

I decided to do some research on the internet and found some interesting information that I would like to share. I was surprised to discover that what we eat plays an important role for asthmatics. 

Asthmatics should avoid all mucus-forming foods such as dairy foods, chocolate, white flour, cakes and white sugar as these foods aggravate respiratory conditions. Eating a diet that is high in salt, vegetable oils, and low in plant-based foods has shown to aggravate the symptoms of asthma. 

Now that I mentioned the foods that should be avoided, below is a list of foods that may reduce the severity or frequency of asthma attacks and hopefully improve the function of our lungs. The diet should consist of large helpings of fresh, green vegetables. Dr. Mike told me that as well. Thank you Dr. Mike, you are a lifesaver!

Below is a detailed list of foods that will make your lungs happy. I increased the foods listed below and recovered faster than I have in the past. Coincidence?

Here it goes:

• Fresh fruits 
  • Rich in vitamin C - citrus fruits (oranges and grapefruits,) grapes, pineapple, kiwi and watermelon
  • Rich in vitamin A - apricots and strawberries
• Vegetables
  • Rich in vitamin C - raw cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, green mustard leaves and parsley
  • Rich in vitamin A - carrots and tomatoes
• Lycopene - an antioxidant
  • Fruits - guava and papaya
  • Vegetables - tomatoes and red bell peppers
• Garlic and Onion - added to your food adds a great flavor to your veggies/entrees
• Green salads
• Fish which is a source of omega 3 fatty acids (try salmon.)
• Baked/broiled chicken and turkey
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Chicken soup
• Water, water and more water
• Maria's ALC Mimosa (recipe below)

The book "YOU: on a Diet" by Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz explains the benefits of the above food and encourages you to include them in your diet. I have been eating the above foods, but I increased my intake of veggies and focused more on the fruit and veggie choices above. I avoided all dairy products.

I did feed my cold! I fed it with the above healthy foods and kept myself hydrated. I drank a lot of water and quite a few of Maria's Mimosa's. I hope that this information is helpful to you. Please keep in touch and email me at Riare43a@aol.com and share your journey with me.

Weekly Menu

Sunday and Tuesday: whole grain pizza, topped with veggies

Monday and Wednesday: baked salmon with broiled cruciferous medley (recipe below)

Thursday and Saturday: turkey meatballs with brown rice spinach pasta in tomato sauce

Friday: baked tilapia with mango sauce

Maria's ALC Free Mimosa

(le mimose senza alcool di maria)

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh orange juice with/without pulp

1/2 cup sparkling water

Directions

Pour orange juice into a glass and fill up the glass with sparkling water. Enjoy!

Broiled Cruciferous Medley

(Miscuglio crocifero cotto alla griglia)

Ingredients

Serving size: 1 cup

1 head of cauliflower

1 head of broccoli

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, chopped

Directions

Cut cauliflower and broccoli into chunks and mix with garlic and olive oil. Broil in 350deg oven until al denti.